Aquatic habitat extension device and feeding apparatus therefor

ABSTRACT

To increase the occasions when fish or other aquatic animals enter an aquatic habitat extension device, a feed delivery system delivers feed through the entryway and releases it so that it floats up to an air pocket trapped in the upper portion of an aquatic habitat extension device. The delivery system employs a feeding mechanism that releases feed into the transparent habitat structure. The feeding mechanism is delivered to the habitat either through the use of a feeding pole or feeding platform.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation-in-part patent application of copendingapplication Ser. No. 09/149,396, filed Sep. 8, 1998, and now U.S. Pat.No. 6,039,005. The aforementioned application is hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to an apparatus that extends the habitat ofaquatic life above the surface of a body of water. More particularly,the invention pertains to a device that functions as a device forviewing aquatic animals above the surface of a body of water, when usedin combination with aquariums, water gardens or the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Aquariums and water gardens have long been known as habitats for aquaticlife. The presence of these miniature aquatic environments is often usedas a way to enhance the environment in which they are placed. Inaddition to their decorative role, aquariums and water gardens also actas sanctuaries and instructional tools in the observation of aquaticecology.

Fish bridges, swimways or other types of aquarium extensions employing apartial vacuum to hold a volume of water above the surface of anaquarium are known. These extensions provide aquarium enthusiasts withthe means to expand the habitat available to their aquatic animals andmay also be used as a water-filled link between two or more separateaquaria. Once in place these aquarium extensions use a partial vacuum todefy the water line, retaining a given volume of water indefinitely. Aslong as the entrance to the bridge or swimway remains below the surfaceof the water in the underlying aquarium, and the extension maintains theintegrity of the partial vacuum, there is no change in the water levelinside the aquarium extension.

Examples of bridge assemblies and other aquarium extensions aredisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,447,123 (Hendrickson); U.S. Pat. No.3,991,715 (Gibson Jr.); and U.S. Pat. No. 1,943,417 (Bringman). Whilethese patents disclose the concept of an aquarium extension above thesurface of an aquarium, none of them offer a method by which the waterlevel inside the extension attachments is quickly and easily controlledby a user. As exemplified by the above patents, the prior art disclosesonly manual methods for changing the water volume in an extensionattachment, typically involving the manual elimination of the vacuum bythe user, after which the entire extension attachment must be submergedin the underlying aquarium or other body of water to regain the partialvacuum. Due to the necessity of manually filling or emptying anextension, the resulting size and number of extensions used is limited,thereby curtailing applications of aquarium extensions in anything otherthan small home aquariums.

In addition, existing aquarium extensions make no effort to attractaquatic life directly into the extension structure where the aquaticanimals are easily observed by people. Instead, existing aquariumextensions rely on the animals to move into or through the structure bychance, limiting use of the extended habitat as a primary observationplatform.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, an aquatic extension device employs a partial vacuumcreated by means for reversibly changing the water level inside a cleardome or other structure located above the surface of a pool, pond, orstream bed. The invention extends the aquatic habitat available to fishand other aquatic animals, turning the hollow above-water structure intoan aquatic extension device for the observation of aquatic animals.These aquatic animals, typically fish, present inside an underlyingaquarium, pool or larger body of water, become easily observable for aperson standing outside the pool or on a nearby shore. An individualdevice can be used alone or with other similar aquatic habitatextensions that can be varied in terms of size, shape, opaqueness, andthe degree to which they are filled with water.

The water level present inside the aquatic extension can be manipulatedto completely or partially fill the hollow structure through thedevelopment of a partial vacuum drawing water in to take the place ofair as it is evacuated. The partial vacuum is established through theplacement of means for removing or adding air, such as, for example, atube or evacuation line with one end located within the extension deviceto be evacuated and the other end attached to means capable of creatinga partial vacuum, such as a vacuum pump. Optionally, a partial vacuum iscreated by mouth siphoning, wherein a person simply withdraws air fromthe hollow structure through a tube.

According to an embodiment, an aquatic habitat extension device for usein a body of water or an aquarium includes a transparent hollow habitatstructure, wherein the structure includes a lower portion and an upperportion, the lower portion has an opening therein defined by a rim, theopening is oriented downward and below a surface of the body of water,and the opening is effective to permit entrance of aquatic animals. Theembodiment also includes at least one support means for receiving therim of the lower portion of the transparent habitat structure, such thatthe rim of the transparent habitat structure is supported above thebottom of the body of water or aquarium, and the rim is below thesurface of the body of water.

To increase the occasions when fish or other aquatic animals enter anaquatic habitat extension device, a feed delivery system delivers feedthrough the entryway and releases it so that it floats up to an airpocket trapped in the upper portion of an aquatic habitat extensiondevice. The delivery system employs a feeding mechanism that releasesfeed into the transparent habitat structure. The feeding mechanism isdelivered to the habitat either through the use of a feeding pole orfeeding platform.

According to an embodiment, a feeding apparatus for an aquatic habitatextension device includes an elongated shaft having a proximal end and adistal end, wherein said distal end is attached to feeding means thatcan be placed in an open or closed position by a user of the feedingapparatus, wherein the feeding means is capable of containing a feedmixture, and wherein the feeding means has opening and closing means forallowing a user to open and close the feeding means.

According to an embodiment, a feeding apparatus for an aquatic habitatextension device includes an elongated shaft having a proximal end and adistal end, operatively connected to a feed chamber for containing afeed mixture, a feed chamber cover that can be placed in an openposition or a closed position, hingeably attached to the feed chamber,securing means for maintaining the feed chamber cover in a closedposition until a user opens the feed chamber, opening means for openingthe feed chamber, such that a feed mixture is released, and attachingmeans for attaching the feed chamber to the distal end of the elongatedshaft.

According to an embodiment, a method of feeding aquatic animals includesthe steps of providing a body of water with an aquatic habitat extensiondevice, providing the body of water with aquatic animals, and deliveringfeed suitable for aquatic animals to the aquatic habitat extensiondevice.

The aquatic habitat extension device itself is also be used in adecorative way to enhance the aesthetic qualities of water gardens,parks or other settings. Illuminating or tinting the habitat enhancesthe beauty of an aquarium, pond, water garden, or other body of water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a side elevation of an aquatic extension device with atransparent habitat structure in place.

FIG. 2 shows a cut-away view of the transparent habitat structure ofFIG. 1 and its mating attachment to the support collar.

FIG. 3 shows the closed position of a feeder used to deliver feed to atransparent habitat structure.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show, respectively, the closed and open positions of afeeder used to deliver feed to a transparent habitat structure.

FIG. 5 shows a feeder operatively connected to a feeding pole.

FIG. 6 shows a feeder operatively connected to a feeding platform.

FIGS. 7A, 7B show two embodiments of a line guide.

FIG. 8 shows a plurality of aquatic habitat extensions in a pond.

FIG. 9 shows the closed position of a feed chamber operatively connectedto a bent feeding pole.

FIG. 10 shows the delivery of feed to an aquatic habitat extensiondevice using a bent feeding pole.

FIG. 11 shows the open position of a feed chamber employing magnets.

FIG. 12 shows a bent feeding pole in position below a habitat structure.

FIG. 13 shows an alternate embodiment of the aquatic habitat structure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1, an aquatic habitat extension 1 of the inventionincludes a base 10 having an upper surface 12 and a substantially flatlower surface 14. Base 10 preferably is of sufficient weight and mass tosecurely anchor the aquatic habitat extension 1 to a bottom 50 of a bodyof water 52. Alternatively, base 10 can be secured to a support surface(not shown) capable of supporting the weight and anchoring aquatichabitat extension 1. In operation, lower surface 14 of base 10 isparallel to and in contact with the bottom 50 of the body of water 52.Support members 16, 18, 20 and 22 are fixedly attached to the uppersurface 12 of base 10 and extend from the upper surface 12 of base 10towards the surface of body of water 52. Support members 16, 18, 20 and22 are designed to fixedly attach to a support collar 24, which in turnsupports a transparent habitat structure 26. Support members 16, 18, 20and 22 are preferably attached to base 10 and support collar 24 throughthe use of a plurality of galvanized screws 17 or other suitablefastening means which preferably do not rust in water. A water tube 86forces water into interior chamber 28 from a water pump element (notshown).

Optionally, aquatic habitat extension 1 includes a light source 60mounted on base 10 such that light source 60 is focused up from base 10through inlet 30 and into an interior chamber 28. Light source 60 allowsa more decorative display and aids in the observation of animals intransparent habitat structure 26 at night or in other low-lightconditions. Power for the operation of light source 60 is suppliedthrough a watertight powerline 62 that runs with an evacuation line 36underneath line guides 38 through guide grooves 39 to an electricalpower source (not shown). Evacuation line 36 is preferably made of aclear plastic or resin of the type typically employed in supplying airto aquarium filters and runs from an apex 37 of interior chamber 28along the inner surface of transparent habitat structure 26 downward andout of habitat extension 1 through inlet 30 to attach to a circulationassembly (not shown), through which a user can control the water levelin habitat extension 1. The user of habitat extension device 1 regulatesthe use of light source 60 to illuminate aquatic habitat extension 1 asdesired. Light source 60 is fixedly attached to base 10 through the useof a plurality of galvanized screws 17 or other suitable fastening meansthat preferably do not rust in water. Optionally, light can be deliveredinto interior chamber 28 through the use of a fiber optic cable (notshown) connected to an electrical power source.

Preferably, four support members 16, 18, 20, and 22 are used to receivesupport collar 24 and provide the structural support necessary tomaintain transparent habitat structure 28 above the surface of body ofwater 52. However, in alternate designs employing transparent habitatstructures of variable size, the number and dimensions of supportmembers used to structurally support a volume of aqueous media above abody of water larger is altered to maintain the structural integrity ofthe invention. For example, in an extremely small transparent habitatstructure 28, only two support members may be needed to maintainstructural integrity. In contrast, if a very large transparent habitatstructure 28 is employed, larger and/or more numerous support membersmay be employed, as necessary.

Transparent habitat structure 26, support collar 24, and support members16, 18, 20, and 22 are preferably made of a transparent plexi-glass,glass, thermoplastic resin, extruded acrylic compound, or equivalenttransparent material sufficiently strong to maintain structuralintegrity and a partial vacuum when substantially filled with aqueousmedia. Any conventional means can be used to fixedly attach thetransparent components of aquatic habitat extension 1 to base 10 and toother extensions 10, although galvanized screws 17 are preferred.

The length of, and distance between, support members 16, 18, 20, and 22is preferably sufficient to allow aquatic animals of interest to movebetween them and into inlet 30. A partial vacuum must be established intransparent habitat structure 26 to maintain a volume of water above thesurface of a body of water 52. The first step in the attachment ofassembled base 10 and transparent habitat structure 26 to develop thecompleted aquatic habitat extension 1 is to mate peripheral rim 32 oftransparent habitat structure 26 with support collar 24. During thismating, peripheral rim 32 is oriented in a downward orientationdetachably connecting with and extending through support collar 24.Thereafter, peripheral rim 32 is preferably fixedly attached to supportcollar 24 through the use of a plurality of galvanized screws 17 orother rust proof conventional means. The leading edge 34 of peripheralrim 32 must be below the surface of body of water 52 in which base 10rests. A transparent water tube 86 is used to force water into interiorchamber 28 from a water pump element (not shown).

In a second embodiment of the aquatic habitat extension 1 thetransparent habitat structure 26 is tinted so as to lessen the amount ofexternal light entering interior chamber 28. Tinting protects anyaquatic animals entering the habitat extension device 1 from brightsunlight magnified by the curvature and transparency of the transparenthabitat structure 26. By making external observers of aquatic habitatextension device 1 less visible to aquatic animals inside interiorchamber 28, tinting enhances the value of the habitat as a hiding placefor aquatic animals. In this way aquatic animals are more likely toenter and remain in the habitat for viewing. However, in combinationwith the illumination provided by light source 60 aquatic animals ininterior chamber 28 remain readily visible to external observers.

In a third embodiment, the transparent material used to fashion theaquatic extension device 1 is selected so that it magnifies in size anyaquatic animal present in interior chamber 28. This magnification aidsin the recreational value of the aquatic habitat extension device 1since it makes the aquatic animals more visible to the observer.

Referring to FIG. 2, transparent habitat structure 26 has interiorchamber 28 that fluidly communicates with body of water 52 through inlet30, as shown by arrow “a”. Interior chamber 28 preferably is ofsufficient size to allow the display of animals or other aquaticphenomena of interest. The size and shape of inlet 30 is variable butmust be sufficient to allow the entry and exit of aqueous media andanimals of interest into interior chamber 28. Inlet 30 is bounded by aperipheral rim 32 extending in a plane that is perpendicular to the flowof arrow “a” and away from transparent habitat structure 28.

Referring to FIG. 3, an open end of transparent evacuation line 36′extends from an apex 37 of interior chamber 28 along the inner surfaceof transparent habitat structure 26 downward through inlet 30 along thebottom 50 of body of water 52 to attach to a circulation assembly 82 orother means of establishing a partial vacuum through evacuation line 36,it is used to remove residual air from interior chamber 28. Throughcirculation assembly 82 a user can control the water level “b” in thehabitat extension 1 by manipulating the partial vacuum present ininterior chamber 28. Circulation assembly 82, through the establishmentof a partial vacuum by a vacuum pump element 88 is employed to raise orlower the water level in interior chamber 28 by adding or removing airon the interior of habitat extension 1 through evacuation line 36.Circulation assembly 82 includes or is reversibly attached to aconventional power source 64 and contains vacuum pump element 88 a waterpump element 90, and an air pump element 92. A user can attach thesepump elements to evacuation line 36 as needed to achieve a desirablewater level in habitat extension 1, dependent upon the desire of theuser to evacuate air from transparent habitat structure 26 or force airor water into transparent habitat structure 26. Between vacuum pumpelement 88 and a second flow valve 85 a water 94 is positioned toprevent any water from the interior of habitat extension 1 from enteringvacuum pump 88. Optionally, the water pump element can provide water tothe transparent habitat structure 26 through evacuation line 36 that hasfirst been cleaned or filtered through conventional means.

Circulation assembly 82 includes a first flow valve 83 operable to add,remove or maintain the air in an individual habitat. In an openposition, first flow valve 83 permits air to enter the habitat from airpump element 92, or optionally the outside environment. In a closedposition, first flow valve 83 prevents air from entering or leavinginterior chamber 28. In a “vacuum” position, circulation assembly 82removes air from the transparent habitat structure 26 through the use ofvacuum pump element 88. In this position second flow valve 85 is openedto allow vacuum pump 88 to evacuate air from interior chamber 28 ofhabitat extension 1. When air is removed from an transparent habitatstructure 26 a partial vacuum in the transparent habitat structure iscreated, strengthened or maintained concurrently with the diminishingamount of air in interior chamber 28. When a vacuum is established inthe interior chamber 28 of habitat extension 1 any water enteringevacuation line 36 is accumulated in water collector 64, thereafterbeing eliminated by conventional means when second flow valve 85 isclosed.

In a variation of the preferred embodiment, circulation assembly 82 alsoincludes a third flow valve 87 operable to introduce water intotransparent habitat structure 26 through transparent water tube 86 andwater pump element 90. In a closed position third flow valve 87 preventsany water from entering interior chamber 28. In an open position thirdflow valve 87 forces water through a transparent water tube 86 intotransparent habitat structure 26. If the habitat is sufficiently free ofwater, the effect created by water pump element 90 is that of a fountainpresent inside the transparent aquatic habitat 26. Transparent watertube 86 is inserted into interior chamber 28 through inlet 30 andreversibly attached to support members 16, 18, 20, and 22 through theuse of a plurality of galvanized screws 17 or other rustproofconventional means. Evacuation line 36 and transparent water tube 86 areheld in place on the bottom 50 of body of water 52 through the use of aplurality of line guides 38. In the context of this invention water is ageneric term applying to any aqueous medium capable of supportingaquatic life.

With an increase in the water pressure supplied by water pump element 90through third flow valve 87 the water emanating from transparent watertube 86 is used to partially clean or remove debris found on the innersurface of transparent habitat structure 26. Alternatively, transparentwater tube 86 is used to deliver compounds capable of cleaning the innersurface of transparent habitat structure 26, such as algicide,fungicides, or detergents. Other methods of cleaning the interior oftransparent habitat structure 26 include the removal of transparenthabitat structure 26 for manual cleaning or disposal. Alternatively, ifthe transparent habitat structure 26 is large enough, an individual canenter the interior chamber to clean the inner surface of transparenthabitat structure 26.

It is important to note that when one of the three flow valves 83, 85 or87 are open, the other two flow valves must be closed. When closed thevarious flow valves from an airtight and watertight seal between theirrespective element of circulation assembly 82 and habitat extension 1.

Referring to FIG. 4A-4B, a feeding assembly 40 is used to deliver feed(not shown) to a point just below inlet 30 of habitat extension 1 (seeFIG. 1), to draw animals of interest into the interior chamber 28 oftransparent habitat structure 26. The feeder 42 of feeding assembly 40optionally is operatively connected to a feeding pole or a feedingplatform.

Referring to FIG. 5, feeding pole 44 has a proximal end 46 held by theuser during use and a distal bent end 48 that is inserted throughsupport members 18, 20, and 22 to a position below inlet 30 oftransparent habitat structure 26 (see FIG. 1). Feeding pole 44 is usedto deliver to aquatic habitat extension 1 feed (not shown) contained ina feeder 42 placed at the distal end of pole 44. When feeder 42 is inposition under inlet 30, a trigger 49 is reversibly actuated to releasefeed. Upon the opening of feeder 42, any feed contained therein is freedto float upwards to the top of the water in transparent habitatstructure 26 through inlet 30. To encourage the entrance of animals intothe interior chamber 28, the feed used in this application should besomewhat buoyant. In addition, some air is typically left at apex 37 ofinterior chamber 28, so that when feed is released into interior chamber28 it floats normally to the surface of the water remaining withininterior chamber 28.

Referring to FIG. 6, in an alternate embodiment of feeding assembly 40,a feeding line 70 is used to deliver feeder 42 from a feeding platform72 to a point under transparent habitat structure 26, such that whenfeeder 42 is opened, the feed contained therein (not shown) is freed tofloat upwards to the surface of the water remaining in interior chamber28. Feeding line 70 is a flexible closed loop that can be manipulated toreversibly move feeding assembly 40 from aquatic habitat extension 1 toa feeding platform 72 located external to aquatic habitat extension 1.Feeding line 70 extends from a feeding platform 72 to a location belowinlet 30 of transparent habitat structure 26, where line 70 is held inplace by a curved guide 74. Curved guide 74 redirects line 70 toward thebottom of body of water 52; line guides 38 thereafter return to feedingplatform 72 through a curved guide 78. In this embodiment, line guides38 are equipped with a plurality of eye loops 76. Eye loops 76 allow themovement of line 70 while preventing line 70 from tangling along thebottom 50 of body of water 52. Curved guides 74 and 78 and the pluralityof eye loops 76 allow the movement of line 70 through them, but are toosmall to allow feeding assembly 40 to pass through. Feeding assembly 40is fixedly attached to feeding line 70, such that when the closed loopthat comprises feeding line 70 is manipulated, feeding assembly 40 ismoved. Preferably, platform 72 is located out of body of water 52, suchthat when feeding line 70 is used to return feeding assembly 40 tofeeding platform 72, the user can easily open an empty feeder 42 andreplace feed therein. Curved guide 78 restricts the movement of feedingassembly 40 such that feeding assembly 40 can only be moved betweenplatform 72 and aquatic habitat extension 1, and will not pass throughline guides 38. The movement of line 70 can be actuated either manuallyby a user, or the process can use a motor (not shown) or other wellknown means to automate the movement of feeding line 70.

When line 70 is manipulated such that feeder 42 touches curved guide 74,feeder 42, fixedly attached to line 70, is halted in its progression andstopped beneath inlet 30. With additional force applied to line 70 tomove feeder 42 towards curved guide 74, swing arms 80 of feeder 42 areforced open and the feed is released to float upward through inlet 30and into interior chamber 28.

Referring to FIG. 7A-7B, line guides 38 are constructed such that theirlower surface is substantially flat except for a guide groove 39. Lineguides 38 are preferably of sufficient weight and mass to securelyanchor evacuation line 36, power line 62, and transparent water tube 86to the bottom 50 of a body of water 52 simultaneously. Alternatively,line guides 38 and base 10 can be secured to an artificial surface (notshown) such that aquatic habitat extension 1 can be used in a body ofwater flowing past or around aquatic habitat extension 1. Guide grooves39 prevent any line running to aquatic habitat extension 1 from leavingthe bottom 50 of body of water 52 or becoming tangled.

Referring to FIG. 8, a plurality of aquatic habitat extensions 1 are ina pond. Each of the individual extensions I can be independentlycontrolled with regard to water level and consequent presence or absenceof a vacuum, size or dimensions of transparent habitat structure 26,light source 60, or tinting. If desired, multiple extensions 1 are usedsimultaneously in aquaria, water gardens, or ponds. Particularly inoutdoor applications, the use of multiple habitat extensions greatlyenhance the recreational and aesthetic value of aquaria, water gardens,or ponds. When appropriately secured, extensions 1 are used in flowingstreams, rivers or other occasions in which an underlying body of water52 is moving as long as leading edge 34 of the peripheral rim 32 remainsbelow the surface of said body of water 52.

Preferably, the transparent habitat structure 26 is spherical in shape.However, any enclosed shape that retains a partial vacuum can be used asa habitat structure. This variety of shapes can extend from thosestrictly geometric in dimension to purely decorative such as in theshape of a golf ball, football, globe or an artistic rendering. Thespherical design provides structural integrity and extensivemagnification due to the curvature of the habitat walls. Likewise, arectangular design is used to prevent extensive magnification.

In a variation of the habitat herein disclosed, the size of the habitatis such that it allows the entry individuals to enter interior chamber28. This embodiment is useful in diving instruction or otherrecreational applications.

In a variation on the use of evacuation line 36 an excess length offlexible tubing is used as evacuation line 36. To end 35 of this tubing36 a watertight flotation ball 41 is fixedly attached such that the end35 is kept above the level of water present in interior chamber 28 oftransparent habitat structure 26. As air is removed from interiorchamber 28 through evacuation line 36, flotation ball 41 will exert anupward force on end 35 moving the excess length of evacuation line 36upwards towards the apex 37 of interior chamber 28. In this manner theflexible tubing extension line 1 evacuation line 36 is able toreversibly remove water from the interior of transparent habitatstructure 26. A fountain like effect can also be created through the useof floatation ball 41. If the water level in transparent habitatstructure 26 is sufficiently free of water, water can be forced throughevacuation line 36 and into chamber 28 by a conventional water pumpelement 90 or other means. Since the air remaining inside interiorchamber 28 is not removed the water level is maintained and a fountainlike

Referring to FIG. 9-10, a bent pole feeding apparatus includes anextended shaft 102 having a bent distal end 104 attached to a feedchamber 106 using a feed chamber attachment 108. The bent pole feederoptionally includes a water inhibitor 109 between feed chamber 106 andchamber attachment 108. A feed chamber cover 1 10 is hingeably attachedto feed chamber 106. A pole connector 116 connects the extended shaft102 and the bent distal end 104. A monofilament pull line 112, isaffixed to feed chamber cover 110, thus providing opening means for auser to open the feed chamber such that feed is released into an aquatichabitat extension device. In a variation on the use of extended shaft102, feed chamber 106 and feed chamber attachment 108 are removed andextended shaft 102 is used as an evacuation line to remove or add air orwater to transparent habitat structure 26.

Referring to FIG. 11, magnets 114 hold feed chamber cover 110 in aclosed position, until a user is ready to release the feed into atransparent habitat structure. Feed for aquatic animals is placed insidethe feed chamber 106; feed chamber cover 110 is closed by hand. Magnets114 hold the feed chamber cover 110 in a closed position. The user thenmanipulates the feeding apparatus such that the feed chamber 106 isplaced under an aquatic extension device. The user then gently pushes upon the feeding apparatus such that the monofilament pull line 112contacts the top ring of the globe base, thus causing the feed chambercover 110 to open and allowing the feed to float into the globe (seeFIG. 12).

Referring to FIG. 13, in a simple alternate embodiment of the invention,the transparent hollow habitat structure rests on a plurality of supportstructures.

Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments of theinvention herein described are merely illustrative of the application ofthe principles of the invention. Reference herein to details of theillustrated embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of theclaims, which themselves recite those features regarded as essential tothe invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A feeding apparatus for an aquatic habitatextension device, comprising: a) an elongated shaft having a proximalend and a distal end; operatively connected to b) a feed chamber forcontaining a feed mixture; c) a feed chamber cover that can be placed inan open position or a closed position, hingeably attached to said feedchamber; d) securing means for maintaining said feed chamber cover in aclosed position until a user opens said feed chamber; e) opening meansfor opening said feed chamber such that a feed mixture is released; andf) attaching means for attaching said feed chamber to said distal end ofsaid elongated shaft, wherein said distal end of said elongated shaftincludes a bend, such that a feed chamber attached to said distal end ofsaid shaft extends in a vertical direction above said shaft when saidshaft is in a horizontal position.
 2. The feeding apparatus of claim 1,wherein said feed chamber includes a water inhibitor.
 3. The feedingapparatus of claim 1, wherein said means for maintaining said feedchamber cover in a closed position includes at least one magnet.
 4. Thefeeding apparatus of claim 1, wherein said opening means includes amonofilament line affixed to said feed chamber cover.